Singler – who shared an apartment with
McCowan's sister, Shay McCowan – was stabbed in the arm and heart at the Castle
Point Apartments in Meridian Township. The texts show that Shay McCowan told Connor McCowan of an argument that she had with
Singler over a lost keychain.

Shay McCowan claimed in text messages with Connor McCowan that Singler had broken
her back and ribs in a physical assault, but Meridian Township police testified
that she had no broken ribs or bones. Transcripts also show a heated argument
between Singler and Connor McCowan that ultimately led to the altercation where Singler
was killed.

McCowan is charged with open murder.
An open murder charge allows a jury or judge to decide whether first
or second-degree murder fits the circumstances of a case.